SO we’re out! For the first time in Rugby World Cup history, England failed to reach the knock-out stages and what an embarrassment it is for English rugby, especially as the host nation.

It’s certainly been a tough week to endure if you are a passionate England supporter like me following the humiliating defeat by Australia on Saturday on top of the previous week’s reverse to Wales.

William Webb-Ellis must have been turning in his grave after last weekend’s debacle. For us mere mortals, the overall disappointment and the ribbing we’ve had to suffer, particularly at the hands of the Welsh, has just rubbed it all in.

Hats off to Australia! They played extremely good rugby.

However, I don’t understand why England picked players and partnerships that hadn’t played together before.

Okay, so they were a reasonably young, untested squad but even Martin Johnson got us through to the quarter-finals and he didn’t even want the job.

I think Stuart Lancaster has no alternative but to resign after our final match this Saturday against Uruguay.

I just hope we give a run-out to those players who have not yet had a chance and knock up a big score to at least spare some of our blushes.

Elsewhere, I thought South Africa were outstanding against Scotland and, after their aberration at the hands of Japan, they could be surprise finalists.

Ireland and France have also made it through to the knock-out stages although I think France will make more of an impression.

Overall, this has been the best World Cup so far with the likes of Japan, the USA, Georgia and Uruguay showing a vast improvement.

On the local scene, the only side in action last Saturday were Redingensians Rams who, after four successive National Two defeats, finally nailed a win, beating high-flying Worthing Raiders. I’m really pleased for them and hope that they can now forge ahead in their new league.

My boys, Reading, are home to Oxford Harlequins this Saturday and are looking for their opening win, while leaders Reading Abbey aim to maintain their unbeaten Southern Counties North start at Wallingford.